He stood outside the annex near the glass doors, tall and poised. When he spotted her, he immediately walked forward, his steps steady as he approached her.

Lariette stopped in her tracks, gazing at Ruediger. The way he smiled at her made her chest flutter.

He wore a suit, a beautifully tailored navy blue that perfectly matched the color of her dress. The shirt beneath was a soft white, and his tie was a textured midnight blue.

Instead of styling his locks into a messy bun like usual, he made sure to comb them smoothly before tying them into a low ponytail, draping over his right shoulder.

Ruediger walked up to Lariette, who had stopped, never once breaking eye contact. When he reached her, he said nothing.

Instead, he gently took her hand and bowed ever so slightly, pressing a warm kiss to her knuckles.

Lariette chuckled at the old-fashioned gentleman's gesture. Her fingers curled slightly in his grasp, feeling the warmth seep under her skin.

"You look..." Ruediger paused, his eyes lingering on Lariette's face, "...like every dream I've ever had."

She flushed, half-laughing as she lowered her gaze, "You always say things like that. You think I'm the most beautiful, en?"

"Without any doubt," Ruediger replied with a wink as he straightened his posture. Then, he asked, "So, did you enjoy the experience so far, my love?"

Lariette looked around, her eyes wide with amusement and affection before they returned to Ruediger's face.

"It's beautiful and romantic. But a little bit overwhelming."

He smirked, one brow raising, "Overwhelming?"

"Honestly," Lariette said, letting out a breath, "I'm more nervous than anything. I thought I was pranked when the attendant brought me to the rooftop. I thought we'd just dine at the restaurant inside the mall."

Ruediger chuckled, his other hand reaching for Lariette's face. His smile deepened at the sight of her eyes sparkling with affection. For a moment, they said nothing until she suddenly giggled and whispered to him.

"Eddy, how did you even manage to use this place? The rooftop penthouse? I heard only the CEO can use it."

"Edmund Knowles?" Ruediger arched his brows, "Well, you can say that I'm closely acquainted with him. He owes me a few favors, so I just take advantage of him."

Lariette blinked, "You're kidding."

The CEO owed him favors? Were these related to Nathaniel too?

"Nope, my love."

Her mouth parted in disbelief, but he only smiled, stepping to the side and offering his arm.

"We should go inside. More surprises are waiting and it's cold out here."

Smiling in helplessness, Lariette placed her hand on Ruediger's arm, her fingers slipping over the fabric of his suit. As they walked together toward the annex, she glanced at him from the corner of her eye.

"Do I even wanna know how many strings you pulled for this?"

He chuckled at her question, "Sweetheart, no strings actually. Just a very, very determined man in love."

She felt her heart skip a beat again before it was coated with sweet honey.

Inside the annex, warmth embraced the pair immediately. The place smelled of fresh roses and faint minty cologne, likely his. Soft music continued to play, just loud enough to be heard over the flickering candles.

Ruediger led Lariette to the dining table after hanging her coat on the rack. The table was set exquisitely with crystal glasses, fine silverware, porcelain plates rimmed with gold and a gorgeous floral centerpiece.

He pulled out her chair, offering her a seat. He chuckled when she kissed his cheek before sitting down, and then he moved to the chair across the table.

A server appeared silently, startling Lariette. He poured sparkling elderberry and lychee mocktails into their glasses before vanishing again.

She took a few sips of water, trying to calm her lingering tension. She murmured, "I still can't believe you did all this."

Ruediger leaned forward on his elbows, his gaze soft, "I just wanna remind you how loved you are, sweetheart. Lettie, you deserve all this."

Lariette smiled shyly, her cheeks pinkening. She replied, her voice softer, "I know I'm loved. You remind me every day. This is... so extra. And I feel bad because I haven't done anything to match your surprises."

Ruediger shook his head, his motion slow yet determined. He said, "Whatever I do, I don't need you to repay with anything grand. I'll accept it if you do, but it doesn't mean you owe me, Lettie."

Each of his words was imbued with sincerity, gently touching her heart. She pushed down her guilt, not wanting to ruin this moment because she felt bad for him.

"Anyway, let's eat," Ruediger winked, "Another surprise awaits you. I mean, it's the thing I wanna tell you about. Just wait until dessert."

Helpless laughter escaped Lariette's lips, "Alright. I can't wait to find out." The latest chapters are uploaded first on *.

Ruediger clapped his hands once. The server returned with the appetizers, creamy mushrooms and leek tartlets.

As they began dining, the pair of lovers shared a look full of affection and quiet joy.

Outside the glass walls, the fairy lights twinkled above the flower arches. Inside, the flicker of candles and chandeliers reflected in their eyes.

After the final bite of pear and almond tart melted on her tongue, Lariette sighed contentedly. She loved every course, especially the entrée — pan-seared sea bass with lemon beurre blanc.

The warm candlelight continued to flicker between them. The rooftop air outside was crisp, but it was cozy in the annex.

After Lariette washed her tongue with another drink, Ruediger stood and walked over to her side, offering his hand and smiling gently.

"Come. Wanna see the scenery over the city?"

"Hehe, okay~ That sounds nice."

He led her toward the plush seating area across the annex. She smiled brightly the moment she stood before the floor-to-ceiling glass wall.

The city stretched endlessly before them, a sea of lights glimmering beneath the inky sky. Everything looked softer, quieter and magical.

Edenia Avenue was not exactly a skyscraper, but its height was still enough for them to watch over the city. The passing vehicles resembled miniatures and the passersby looked even tinier.

After watching the scenery for a few more minutes, Lariette and Ruediger sank onto the couch. The server had already left, giving them privacy.

He held her hand, fingers pressing hers gently. She saw he was caught in a deep thought, his eyes seemed to focus on something distant.

What would he tell her?

Was this another one of his secrets?

Lariette still remembered what Ruediger had told her before. She couldn't help but think he went all out today just because he wanted to share it with her.

After a period of silence, he finally spoke, his gaze holding hers.

"Lettie, do you know why I can use this place easily?"

She blinked and then nodded. Her heart thumped, more quickly than usual, "Mm, you made it sound like you pulled a few clever strings."

He drew his lips into a smile. Next, his words came, calm and deliberate, "You've heard of Mr. R, haven't you?"

The name echoed in Lariette's mind, reminding her of the mysterious, elusive billionaire whose identity no one could confirm.

Mr. R.... R...

She stared at him, her expression blank, before a flicker of realization dawned on her, but her face still carried disbelief.

Don't tell her...

He smiled, "It's me, Lettie. I am him."